2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: engine failure

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Engine · 120,744 miles · WI

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact turned off the vehicle, and while inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that there was a puddle of oil on the ground underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a nearby Ford dealer, where it was diagnosed with camshaft and engine failure. The contact was informed that the camshaft and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed of Technical Service Bulletin: 22-EM-006H-2. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to a Hyundai dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an alternate dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. In addition, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The contact was informed that the repair was denied because of the previous owner's negligence with maintenance of the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 120,744.

Filed Aug 23, 2024 · Steering · 82,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact stated that upon starting or reversing, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2022 · Engine · 176,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V746000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had stated that the engine was replaced; however, the vehicle was not able to be started. The approximate failure mileage was 176,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 1, 2019 · Engine · 126,901 miles · MI

Engine failure. I bought this vehicle as used vehicle on feb 9,2019. It had approx. 123000 miles and on march 15, 2019, the engine failed without any warning. And vehicle stalled all of sudden, had to spend $3450 to replace it with 2012 kia hybrid engine. I am not sure the cause of engine failure. But the mechanic said the engine block had cracked and had two holes on either sides(image attached). Need justice! Can you help the federal safety agency? Please reach me [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 6, 2018 · Engine · 73,000 miles · FL

My certified pre-owned sonata hybrid was not under the class action recall but has twice now had the same engine failure as the sonatas that have been recalled. First engine failure- car was at dealer from nov 2015 to jan 2016 and engine was rebuilt. Second engine failure, related engine issue- dec 2017 to current time. It is very dangerous, car stalled while driving on a major state road and entire system seized up, could not even go into neutral. Second time, oil spattered all over engine and oil light came on while on state highway- major leak on engine mount. First repair indicated the same particles in engine that caused engine to seize as the recalled sonatas though my VIN was/is not included in class action settlement nor under that official recall. Car still not repaired after 2 months at dealer this second time. Have gone back and forth with hyundai motor regional customer complaint, local dealer and warranty company for last 2 months with no resolution and still no car.

Filed Oct 17, 2017 · Engine · 86,000 miles · GA

Had to replace engine due to serious engine malfunction.

Filed May 23, 2017 · Engine · VA

I had engine failure on my 2011 sonata the car was sold to me at 119k miles on 02/2016 in 03/2016 the engine light came on the dealership would not trade the car in because it was as is they knew about the recall on the engines at the time that I returned the car to the dealership but did not advise me. Now the engine is gone and they will not cover the parts or labor becasue I am over 120k miles the repairs are 7800 I am unable to drive the car

Filed May 4, 2017 · Acceleration, Brakes · 76,000 miles · FL

Charging system malfunctioned, sensors melted in valve trane, radiator elbow and fill neck blew off, complete engine failure and battery failure. I have had a problem with the "check brake" light and an alarm going off. However, when I stopped driving and had it towed to the dealership they could find nothing. Prior to this incident, I took a photo of my dash, I had 76,499 miles and the coolant meter did not read hot. I had had the coolant system flushed at 65,000 miles, and I had all oil and fluids checked again after this incident. The breakdown: three hours into a roadtrip, the A/C began blowing warm, simultaneously - the "the check brake" light and alarm came on, and the "check charging system" light came on. I lost power to accelerate (or brake well) and immediately pulled over and took a photo of my dash warnings (76919 miles). The heat sensor was in the "cool" half, the battery gage showed no power. Battery so low key would not start car. I had the car towed. "tech found that elbow and radiator have holes in them vehicle overheated causing engine to blow." tiffany richardson said "tech believe vehicle was driven with low coolant level causing vehicle to run hot melting sensors in the valve train and the pipes to fail." the tech is wrong, the coolant system was inspected and flushed at 65,000 miles, and was not due for another inspection. I had had coolant levels checked less than 1000 miles ago, and the heating sensor on dash did not read hot, at the point of breakdown or after a road trip 500 miles ago. Others had the problem at 3000 miles! It's the hpcu. The power for both electric motors is routed through hpcu. The inverters allow the A/C motors to be driven by d/c batteries. This caused the "check charging system" error. This is $15,000.00 and I owe $4000 on the car - 100,000 warranty has denied it & I am original owner.

Filed May 4, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 76,919 miles · FL

Charging system malfunctioned, sensors melted in valve trane, radiator elbow and fill neck blew off, complete engine failure and battery failure. I have had a problem with the "check brake" light and an alarm going off. However, when I stopped driving and had it towed to the dealership they could find nothing. Prior to this incident, I took a photo of my dash, I had 76,499 miles and the coolant meter did not read hot. I had had the coolant system flushed at 65,000 miles, and I had all oil and fluids checked again after this incident. The breakdown: three hours into a roadtrip, the A/C began blowing warm, simultaneously - the "the check brake" light and alarm came on, and the "check charging system" light came on. I lost power to accelerate (or brake well) and immediately pulled over and took a photo of my dash warnings (76919 miles). The heat sensor was in the "cool" half, the battery gage showed no power. Battery so low key would not start car. I had the car towed. "tech found that elbow and radiator have holes in them vehicle overheated causing engine to blow." tiffany richardson said "tech believe vehicle was driven with low coolant level causing vehicle to run hot melting sensors in the valve train and the pipes to fail." the tech is wrong, the coolant system was inspected and flushed at 65,000 miles, and was not due for another inspection. I had had coolant levels checked less than 1000 miles ago, and the heating sensor on dash did not read hot, at the point of breakdown or after a road trip 500 miles ago. Others had the problem at 3000 miles! It's the hpcu. The power for both electric motors is routed through hpcu. The inverters allow the A/C motors to be driven by d/c batteries. This caused the "check charging system" error. $15,000.00 fix. I owe $4000. 100,000 warranty has denied it & I am original owner. Hpcu recalled b4? .

Filed May 4, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 76,919 miles · FL

Charging system malfunctioned, sensors melted in valve trane, radiator elbow and fill neck blew off, complete engine failure and battery failure. I have had a problem with the "check brake" light and an alarm going off. However, when I stopped driving and had it towed to the dealership they could find nothing. Prior to this incident, I took a photo of my dash, I had 76,499 miles and the coolant meter did not read hot. I had had the coolant system flushed at 65,000 miles, and I had all oil and fluids checked again after this incident. The breakdown: three hours into a roadtrip, the A/C began blowing warm, simultaneously - the "the check brake" light and alarm came on, and the "check charging system" light came on. I lost power to accelerate (or brake well) and immediately pulled over and took a photo of my dash warnings (76919 miles). The heat sensor was in the "cool" half, the battery gage showed no power. Battery so low key would not start car. I had the car towed. "tech found that elbow and radiator have holes in them vehicle overheated causing engine to blow." tiffany richardson said "tech believe vehicle was driven with low coolant level causing vehicle to run hot melting sensors in the valve train and the pipes to fail." the tech is wrong, the coolant system was inspected and flushed at 65,000 miles, and was not due for another inspection. I had had coolant levels checked less than 1000 miles ago, and the heating sensor on dash did not read hot, at the point of breakdown or after a road trip 500 miles ago. Others had the problem at 3000 miles! It's the hpcu. The power for both electric motors is routed through hpcu. The inverters allow the A/C motors to be driven by d/c batteries. This caused "check charging system" error. This is $15,000.00 and I owe $4000 on the car - 100,000 warranty has denied it & I am original owner. Airbag to

Filed Nov 21, 2016 · Engine, Steering · 78,880 miles · NJ

Metal shavings in engine oil pan causing engine failure, knocking, lose of power while driving, manufacturing defect on small block engine but not on the small block hybrid... We were told by the dealer but the hybrid still has the same defect as the none hybrid same exact issues metal shaving in oil pan defects from manufacturer. The none hybrid was recalled but a recall was never issued for the hybrid stated by employees at global auto mall in new jersey.

Filed May 25, 2016 · Engine · 75,000 miles · LA

I was driving my 2011 sonata hybrid down a interstate at 75 miles an hour when it stopped accelerating/working. I had my 3 year old daughter in the car with me at the time. I had to swerve to avoid an accident and was able to find a safe spot to park. I waited for 1/5 hours for a tow truck to come. After dropping my car off with the hyundai dealership I was told my engine seized and I would need a new one for $9,000. This is completely ridiculous. My care has $75,000 and I am the second owner. The recall right now does not include hybrid/korean made models of the 2011 sonata, so hyundai states they will not pay for any repairs. I am perusing legal action in the hopes to have this problem identified. My daughter and I could have been killed, and many other owners are at risk.